One item at the meeting was a presentation led by Jeff Spack, detailing plans for the redesign of the Rotary to create a more walkable area. This presentation drew significant interest from the community, including board members, as it addressed ongoing concerns about congestion and traffic flow. The presentation was praised for its clarity, making complex plans more accessible. Concerns were raised about the current intersection, described as a “nightmare,” which underscored the necessity for improvements. The board acknowledged the relevance of these plans to the library, as changes in traffic patterns could affect library operations and accessibility.

In addition to the presentation, the board moved to discuss updates to the library’s borrowers policy. A significant change involved eliminating the $2 replacement fee for lost or damaged library cards. The policy revision required approval from the town manager and town council, which had been successfully obtained. The board emphasized making library access more inclusive, deciding to state explicitly that there is “no charge for a library card” for Massachusetts residents. Clarity was sought on the policy’s wording, especially regarding out-of-state residents who still face a $38 fee for library cards.

The board then explored exhibition policies, focusing on the criteria for reviewing and selecting applications for exhibits. A decision was made to remove a criterion labeled as B from the review process and reclassify it under exclusion criteria. The board addressed the logistics of exhibit installation and removal, clarifying that exhibitors must handle their own setups during library hours, without leaving any materials behind. Restrictions were placed on the use of adhesives or fasteners on walls, mandating the use of the library’s display system.

Signage and publicity were also debated, with a consensus that the library would handle external signage while allowing exhibitors to create identification cards for individual works. Discussions extended to sales transactions, which should occur independently between the artist and purchaser, with the library remaining uninvolved. It was agreed that sales could happen discreetly within the library, and work sold must remain on display until the end of the exhibit period.

Further, the board tackled the exhibition donation policy, deliberating whether to use “artists” or “exhibitors” to reflect the diversity of artistic expressions. The application process required full completion and submission to the library, with a clarification that the library does not insure exhibited items. Language adjustments were made to ensure clarity, especially regarding contact with applicants.

The board also reviewed the library’s right to remove or rescind exhibits under certain conditions, such as maintenance or policy non-compliance.